WO2001064027A1 - Electronically controlled animal food dispenser - Google Patents

Electronically controlled animal food dispenser Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001064027A1
WO2001064027A1 PCT/IL2001/000180 IL0100180W WO0164027A1 WO 2001064027 A1 WO2001064027 A1 WO 2001064027A1 IL 0100180 W IL0100180 W IL 0100180W WO 0164027 A1 WO0164027 A1 WO 0164027A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
food
dish
hopper
dispenser according
animal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2001/000180
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Gal
Original Assignee
Michael Gal
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Michael Gal filed Critical Michael Gal
Priority to AU2001235948A priority Critical patent/AU2001235948A1/en
Publication of WO2001064027A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001064027A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
    • A01K5/02—Automatic devices
    • A01K5/0275—Automatic devices with mechanisms for delivery of measured doses
    • A01K5/0283—Automatic devices with mechanisms for delivery of measured doses by weight
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
    • A01K5/02—Automatic devices
    • A01K5/0291—Automatic devices with timing mechanisms, e.g. pet feeders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to electronically controlled animal food dispensers.
  • US Patent 3,962,997 to Ruth describes an animal feeder that conveys food from a storage bin by means of an auger to a plate from which an animal can eat.
  • the feeder is not electronically controlled, however.
  • US Patents 4,665,862 to Pitchford, Jr. and 4,735,171 to Essex also use augers to dispense food.
  • US Patent 5,433,171 to Ewell describes an automatic pet food dispenser that serves solid food and drinking water in separate dishes to an animal.
  • Pressure sensors are provided underneath each dish and are connected to a microprocessor.
  • the microprocessor controls filling of the dishes from a water supply tank and a feed hopper.
  • the pressure sensors signal the microprocessor when to fill and when to stop filling the dishes.
  • the feed mechanism from the feed hopper includes a motor driven, sliding plate at the bottom of the hopper that permits the contents of the hopper to flow down into the feed dish.
  • Augers are an effective conveyance means for seeds and small particles, but are not generally suitable for large particles, such as alfalfa cubes.
  • the large particles tend to become broken when traveling through the auger. This is disadvantageous because some animals prefer chewing the large particles. More importantly, since the feed becomes broken, it is virtually impossible to ensure that the animal is being fed the proper amount of food according to veterinarian instructions.
  • the rotary types of feeders mentioned above can be suitable for large particles, but take up significantly more volume than augers and are more expensive.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved animal food dispenser that has several advantages over the prior art, and which solves the abovementioned problems of the prior art.
  • the present invention provides a uniquely shaped auger housing that can convey solid, relatively hard food particles to a food dish without danger of breaking the food particles.
  • the present invention employs a load cell placed intermediate a food hopper and a solid food dish, which controls the amount of food in the dish.
  • An electronic valve is placed intermediate a liquid supply line and a liquid food dish, which controls the amount of liquid, e.g., water, present in the liquid food dish.
  • the food dishes have load cells mounted underneath them to monitor the amount of food and liquid the animal ate and drank.
  • load cells are provided only at the individual food and water dishes. These load cells indicate whether the weight of the dish is below a lower threshold or above an upper threshold. If the dish weight is below the lower threshold, then the dish is filled with food or water. If the dish weight is above the upper threshold, then the filling is stopped. Thus, the dish load cells control the amount of food or water present in the food or water dish.
  • the dish load cells do not control the amount of food or water present in the solid and liquid food dishes. Instead the intermediate load cell controls the amount of food and the electronic valve controls the amount of liquid.
  • the intermediate load cell has the added benefit of providing information regarding the level of food remaining in hopper. In the prior art, the dish load cells cannot provide this information and the user does not know how much food is left in the hopper. Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to the skilled artisan from the description hereinbelow.
  • a food dispenser including a feed hopper for storing therein animal food, a food dish for serving thereon the animal food to an animal, weighing apparatus including a load cell placed intermediate the food hopper and the food dish, a dispensing device operative to dispense food from the weighing apparatus to the food dish, and a controller in electrical communication with the load cell and the actuator, which controls dispensation of the animal food to the food dish.
  • a feeder mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an auger journaled in a housing, the housing including an inlet in communication with the hopper, the feeder mechanism being operative to convey food from the hopper to the weighing apparatus.
  • the housing has a generally pear-shaped inner volume defined by a generally cylindrical portion in which the auger rotates, and a tapered portion above the cylindrical portion.
  • the feeder mechanism further includes a motor operatively connected to the auger for rotating the auger.
  • a control panel is in electrical communication with the controller, mounted on the hopper for displaying pertinent information related to feeding of an animal.
  • a volume sensor is mounted in the hopper that constantly monitors a volume of the animal food in the hopper.
  • the load cell is placed upon a weighing platform
  • the dispensing device includes an electronic lock device in electrical communication with the controller, the lock device supporting the weighing platform, the lock device being selectively opened by the controller, thereby moving the platform to an open position and permitting passage of food from the weighing apparatus to the food dish.
  • the dispensing device includes an actuator that moves the platform from the open position to a closed position.
  • another load cell is mounted below the food dish in electrical communication with the controller.
  • an electronic valve is in electrical communication with the controller, operative to control flow of a liquid from a supply line to a liquid food dish.
  • an additional load cell is mounted below the liquid food dish in electrical communication with the controller.
  • a pressure relief device that relieves overpressure in the hopper.
  • the pressure relief device includes a frangible metal strip.
  • Fig. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an animal food dispenser constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration of the animal food dispenser of Fig.
  • Fig. 3 is a simplified illustration of a feed hopper of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGs. 4A and 4B are simplified illustrations of a feed auger of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4B being taken along lines 4B-4B in Fig. 4A;
  • Fig. 5 is a simplified illustration of weighing apparatus of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 6 is a simplified illustration of a solid food dish of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 7 is a simplified illustration of a liquid food dish of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a controller of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, which controls operation of the animal food dispenser, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 9 is a simplified illustration of a control panel of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a simplified schematic illustration of an animal food dispenser for a multiplicity of animals, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate an animal food dispenser 100 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Food dispenser 10 preferably includes a feed hopper 1 for storing therein feed, such as grain, seeds, pellets and the like.
  • Hopper 1 (shown also in Fig. 3) preferably includes a pressure relief device 2, such as a frangible metal strip that relieves overpressure in hopper 1.
  • a volume sensor 3 is preferably mounted in hopper 1 that constantly monitors the volume of feed in hopper 1, and is in electrical communication with a controller 25 (further described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 8).
  • a control panel 5 is preferably mounted on hopper 1 for displaying pertinent information related to the feeding of animals (further described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 9).
  • a cover 4 helps seal hopper 1 such that the contents do not become contaminated.
  • dispenser 100 preferably includes a feeder mechanism that includes an auger 9 journaled in a housing 6.
  • Housing 6 preferably has an inlet 102 in communication with hopper 1. and an outlet 104 that communicates with weighing apparatus 106, described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 5.
  • housing 6 a generally pear-shaped inner volume defined by a generally cylindrical portion 6A in which said auger 9 rotates, and a tapered portion 6B above cylindrical portion 6A.
  • the unique construction of housing 6 ensures that any food particles, even large ones, will not be broken by auger 9 during transportation.
  • the additional volume of the tapered portion 6B that lets the particles move about without getting squeezed or crushed. In prior art augers, the food particles travel through a cylinder without any extra "room", and can get crushed or squeezed.
  • Auger 9 is preferably rotated by means of a motor 7, which is preferably connected to auger 9 through a reduction gear 8.
  • weighing apparatus 106 preferably includes a weighing chamber 10 that has an inlet flange 108 that connects to outlet 104 of housing 6.
  • Chamber 10 preferably has a volume sufficient for one feeding of an animal, although other sizes may also be used.
  • Chamber 10 is preferably connected to a funnel-shaped chute 15.
  • a pair of weighing platforms 12 are preferably disposed at the juncture of chamber 10 with chute 15.
  • Platforms 12 are preferably separated by a pressure sensor or load cell 13.
  • load cell 13 is attached to the lower platform 12, which is relatively rigid.
  • the upper platform 12 is preferably flexible, such that food particles weighing down on the upper platform cause the platform to press against load cell 13.
  • the lower platform 12 is preferably supported by an electronic lock device 14, which is in electrical communication with controller 25.
  • Lock device 14 opens and closes upon command from controller 25, to permit or prevent passage of food from chamber 10 to chute 15. If lock device 14 is opened, the platforms 12 pivot down and the food flows to chute 15.
  • An actuator 11, such as a solenoid or motor, is preferably connected to platforms 12 and returns the platforms 12 back to the weighing position. Actuator 11 and lock device 14 make up a dispensing device.
  • dispenser 100 preferably includes a solid food dish 16 that rests upon a support 17.
  • a pressure sensor or load cell 18 is preferably mounted below support 17 and in electrical communication with controller 25.
  • Load cell 18 preferably communicates to controller 25 the current weight of the food in dish 16, before controller 25 causes more food to be added to dish 16.
  • dispenser 100 preferably includes a liquid food dish 20 that rests upon a support 19.
  • a pressure sensor or load cell 21 is preferably mounted below support 19 and in electrical communication with controller 25.
  • Load cell 21 preferably communicates to controller 25 the current weight of the liquid, such as water, in dish 20, before controller 25 causes more liquid to be added to dish 20.
  • Liquid is preferably supplied to dish 20 from a liquid supply line 112.
  • the liquid preferably flows via a supply valve 24 to a pressure regulator 23, which reduces the supply pressure.
  • An electronic valve 22 is preferably in electrical communication with controller 25 and controls the flow of the liquid through an inlet tube 114 to dish 20.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate two different configurations of chute 15, inlet tube 114 and dishes 16 and 20.
  • the embodiment of Fig. 1 is intended for home use for feeding pets, whereas the embodiment of Fig. 2 is intended for barn, farm, stable or factory use, for feeding and fattening livestock and the like. It is appreciated that any other configuration is also within the scope of the invention.
  • load cells are provided only at the individual food and water dishes. These load cells indicate whether the weight of the dish is below a lower threshold or above an upper threshold. If the dish weight is below the lower threshold, then the dish is filled with food or water. If the dish weight is above the upper threshold, then the filling is stopped. Thus, the dish load cells control the amount of food or water present in the food or water dish. In contrast, in the present invention, the dish load cells 18 and 21 do not control the amount of food or water present in the solid and liquid food dishes 16 and 20, respectively.
  • the additional load cell 13 placed intermediate the food hopper and solid food dish 16, and the electronic valve 22 placed intermediate the supply line 112 and liquid food dish 20, together with controller 25, control the amount of food or water present in the solid and liquid food dishes 16 and 20, respectively.
  • the dish load cells 18 and 21 are used to monitor the amount of food the animal ate or drank.
  • Load cell 13 has the added benefit of providing information regarding ⁇ the level of food remaining in hopper 1. In the prior art, the dish load cells cannot provide this information and the user does not know how much food is left in the hopper. ' • '
  • Control panel 5 (Fig. 9) preferably includes an on/off switch 116, a clock 118, and a plurality of control buttons 120 for determining a meal plan. For example, one can select a meal, choosing from breakfast, dinner and supper. Buttons may be provided for setting the time and volume of the meal, as well as the units of measure. Displays 122 are preferably provided for displaying the selected meal parameters. An alarm 124 may be provided for indicating an alarm in the event of a food shortage in hopper 1. Another display 126 may be provided for indicating approval of the meal plan.
  • Controller 25 (Fig. 8) is preferably in electrical communication, wired or wireless, with a clock 128 (for timekeeping and timing purposes), control panel 5, load cells 13, 18 and 21, volume sensor 3, auger motor 7, actuator 11, electronic valve 22, alarm 124 and a data line 130 connected to a server or the Internet, for example.
  • Data line 130 enables remote monitoring and data input/output with respect to controller 25.
  • a user first fills hopper 1 with food granules, seeds, pellets or cubes, as desired.
  • the user turns on dispenser 100 by pressing on the on/off switch 116, and creates a meal plan by selecting, for example, 100 g of dog food to be served for breakfast at 08:00, 600 g for dinner at 12:00 and 100 g for supper at 20:00.
  • motor 7 is commanded by controller 25 to turn auger 9 and convey food to weighing apparatus 106. Once load cell 13 senses that the correct amount of food has been weighed on platforms 12, motor 7 stops turning auger 9.
  • lock device 14 opens and the food drops from platforms 12 through chute 15 to solid food dish 16. Similarly, valve 22 is opened to allow water or other liquid to flow to dish 20. Actuator 11 then brings back platforms 12 to the closed position, and valve 22 is closed.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates an animal food dispenser 150 for a multiplicity of animals, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Dispenser 150 is preferably constructed basically the same as dispenser 10 described hereinabove, with like elements being designated by like numerals.
  • hopper 1 preferably empties into a funnel 152 that conveys food particles into one of a plurality of buckets 154 that move along a conveyor track 155 by means of a conveyor drive 156.
  • the buckets 154 convey the food to a plurality of weighing apparatus 106, described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 5.
  • the rest of dispenser 150 is basically the same as dispenser 10. (Liquid food dishes are also provided in the system of dispenser 150 as in dispenser 10, but are not shown for the sake of simplicity in Fig. 10.)

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Birds (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Feeding And Watering For Cattle Raising And Animal Husbandry (AREA)

Abstract

A food dispenser including a feed hopper (1) for storing therein animal food, a food dish (16) for serving thereon the animal food to an animal, weighing apparatus (106) including a load cell (13) placed intermediate the food hopper and the food dish, a dispensing device (100) operative to dispense food from the weighing apparatus to the food dish, and a controller (25) in electrical communication with the load cell and the actuator (11), which controls dispensation of the animal food to the food dish.

Description

ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED ANIMAL FOOD DISPENSER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to electronically controlled animal food dispensers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many kinds of animal food dispensers are known in the art. US Patent 3,962,997 to Ruth describes an animal feeder that conveys food from a storage bin by means of an auger to a plate from which an animal can eat. The feeder is not electronically controlled, however. US Patents 4,665,862 to Pitchford, Jr. and 4,735,171 to Essex also use augers to dispense food.
US Patent 5,433,171 to Ewell describes an automatic pet food dispenser that serves solid food and drinking water in separate dishes to an animal. Pressure sensors are provided underneath each dish and are connected to a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls filling of the dishes from a water supply tank and a feed hopper. The pressure sensors signal the microprocessor when to fill and when to stop filling the dishes. The feed mechanism from the feed hopper includes a motor driven, sliding plate at the bottom of the hopper that permits the contents of the hopper to flow down into the feed dish.
Other representative food dispensers include US Patent 4,993,364 to Hessenhauer, which describes an automatic pet food dispenser that employs a rotating tube to dispense food. US Patent 5,230,300 to Mezhinsky describes an automatic dry food feeder that employs rotating segmented flexible vanes to dispense food.
The food dispensers of the art suffer from several drawbacks. Augers are an effective conveyance means for seeds and small particles, but are not generally suitable for large particles, such as alfalfa cubes. The large particles tend to become broken when traveling through the auger. This is disadvantageous because some animals prefer chewing the large particles. More importantly, since the feed becomes broken, it is virtually impossible to ensure that the animal is being fed the proper amount of food according to veterinarian instructions. The rotary types of feeders mentioned above can be suitable for large particles, but take up significantly more volume than augers and are more expensive.
Another drawback of the prior art is that the automatic weighing devices of the art, such as that of Ewell, are not applicable for ensuring highly accurate dispensing of food to a multiplicity of animals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved animal food dispenser that has several advantages over the prior art, and which solves the abovementioned problems of the prior art. The present invention provides a uniquely shaped auger housing that can convey solid, relatively hard food particles to a food dish without danger of breaking the food particles.
In addition, the present invention employs a load cell placed intermediate a food hopper and a solid food dish, which controls the amount of food in the dish. An electronic valve is placed intermediate a liquid supply line and a liquid food dish, which controls the amount of liquid, e.g., water, present in the liquid food dish. The food dishes have load cells mounted underneath them to monitor the amount of food and liquid the animal ate and drank.
It is important to note an advantage of the present invention over the prior art. In the prior art, load cells are provided only at the individual food and water dishes. These load cells indicate whether the weight of the dish is below a lower threshold or above an upper threshold. If the dish weight is below the lower threshold, then the dish is filled with food or water. If the dish weight is above the upper threshold, then the filling is stopped. Thus, the dish load cells control the amount of food or water present in the food or water dish.
In contrast, in the present invention, the dish load cells do not control the amount of food or water present in the solid and liquid food dishes. Instead the intermediate load cell controls the amount of food and the electronic valve controls the amount of liquid. The intermediate load cell has the added benefit of providing information regarding the level of food remaining in hopper. In the prior art, the dish load cells cannot provide this information and the user does not know how much food is left in the hopper. Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to the skilled artisan from the description hereinbelow.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a food dispenser including a feed hopper for storing therein animal food, a food dish for serving thereon the animal food to an animal, weighing apparatus including a load cell placed intermediate the food hopper and the food dish, a dispensing device operative to dispense food from the weighing apparatus to the food dish, and a controller in electrical communication with the load cell and the actuator, which controls dispensation of the animal food to the food dish.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a feeder mechanism is provided that includes an auger journaled in a housing, the housing including an inlet in communication with the hopper, the feeder mechanism being operative to convey food from the hopper to the weighing apparatus.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the housing has a generally pear-shaped inner volume defined by a generally cylindrical portion in which the auger rotates, and a tapered portion above the cylindrical portion.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the feeder mechanism further includes a motor operatively connected to the auger for rotating the auger.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a control panel is in electrical communication with the controller, mounted on the hopper for displaying pertinent information related to feeding of an animal.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a volume sensor is mounted in the hopper that constantly monitors a volume of the animal food in the hopper.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the load cell is placed upon a weighing platform, and the dispensing device includes an electronic lock device in electrical communication with the controller, the lock device supporting the weighing platform, the lock device being selectively opened by the controller, thereby moving the platform to an open position and permitting passage of food from the weighing apparatus to the food dish.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the dispensing device includes an actuator that moves the platform from the open position to a closed position. Preferably another load cell is mounted below the food dish in electrical communication with the controller.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an electronic valve is in electrical communication with the controller, operative to control flow of a liquid from a supply line to a liquid food dish. Preferably an additional load cell is mounted below the liquid food dish in electrical communication with the controller.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a pressure relief device is provided that relieves overpressure in the hopper. Preferably the pressure relief device includes a frangible metal strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an animal food dispenser constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration of the animal food dispenser of Fig.
1;
Fig. 3 is a simplified illustration of a feed hopper of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 4A and 4B are simplified illustrations of a feed auger of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4B being taken along lines 4B-4B in Fig. 4A; Fig. 5 is a simplified illustration of weighing apparatus of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a simplified illustration of a solid food dish of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a simplified illustration of a liquid food dish of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a controller of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, which controls operation of the animal food dispenser, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a simplified illustration of a control panel of the animal food dispenser of Fig. 1, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 10 is a simplified schematic illustration of an animal food dispenser for a multiplicity of animals, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference is now made to Figs. 1 and 2 which illustrate an animal food dispenser 100 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Food dispenser 10 preferably includes a feed hopper 1 for storing therein feed, such as grain, seeds, pellets and the like. Hopper 1 (shown also in Fig. 3) preferably includes a pressure relief device 2, such as a frangible metal strip that relieves overpressure in hopper 1. A volume sensor 3 is preferably mounted in hopper 1 that constantly monitors the volume of feed in hopper 1, and is in electrical communication with a controller 25 (further described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 8). A control panel 5 is preferably mounted on hopper 1 for displaying pertinent information related to the feeding of animals (further described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 9). A cover 4 helps seal hopper 1 such that the contents do not become contaminated.
Referring additionally to Fig. 4, dispenser 100 preferably includes a feeder mechanism that includes an auger 9 journaled in a housing 6. Housing 6 preferably has an inlet 102 in communication with hopper 1. and an outlet 104 that communicates with weighing apparatus 106, described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 5. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, housing 6 a generally pear-shaped inner volume defined by a generally cylindrical portion 6A in which said auger 9 rotates, and a tapered portion 6B above cylindrical portion 6A. The unique construction of housing 6 ensures that any food particles, even large ones, will not be broken by auger 9 during transportation. One of the reasons is the additional volume of the tapered portion 6B that lets the particles move about without getting squeezed or crushed. In prior art augers, the food particles travel through a cylinder without any extra "room", and can get crushed or squeezed. Auger 9 is preferably rotated by means of a motor 7, which is preferably connected to auger 9 through a reduction gear 8.
Referring additionally to Fig. 5, it is seen that weighing apparatus 106 preferably includes a weighing chamber 10 that has an inlet flange 108 that connects to outlet 104 of housing 6. Chamber 10 preferably has a volume sufficient for one feeding of an animal, although other sizes may also be used. Chamber 10 is preferably connected to a funnel-shaped chute 15. A pair of weighing platforms 12 are preferably disposed at the juncture of chamber 10 with chute 15. Platforms 12 are preferably separated by a pressure sensor or load cell 13. In a preferred embodiment, load cell 13 is attached to the lower platform 12, which is relatively rigid. The upper platform 12 is preferably flexible, such that food particles weighing down on the upper platform cause the platform to press against load cell 13. The lower platform 12 is preferably supported by an electronic lock device 14, which is in electrical communication with controller 25. Lock device 14 opens and closes upon command from controller 25, to permit or prevent passage of food from chamber 10 to chute 15. If lock device 14 is opened, the platforms 12 pivot down and the food flows to chute 15. An actuator 11, such as a solenoid or motor, is preferably connected to platforms 12 and returns the platforms 12 back to the weighing position. Actuator 11 and lock device 14 make up a dispensing device.
Referring additionally to Fig. 6, dispenser 100 preferably includes a solid food dish 16 that rests upon a support 17. A pressure sensor or load cell 18 is preferably mounted below support 17 and in electrical communication with controller 25. Load cell 18 preferably communicates to controller 25 the current weight of the food in dish 16, before controller 25 causes more food to be added to dish 16.
Referring additionally to Fig. 7, dispenser 100 preferably includes a liquid food dish 20 that rests upon a support 19. A pressure sensor or load cell 21 is preferably mounted below support 19 and in electrical communication with controller 25. Load cell 21 preferably communicates to controller 25 the current weight of the liquid, such as water, in dish 20, before controller 25 causes more liquid to be added to dish 20.
Liquid is preferably supplied to dish 20 from a liquid supply line 112. The liquid preferably flows via a supply valve 24 to a pressure regulator 23, which reduces the supply pressure. An electronic valve 22 is preferably in electrical communication with controller 25 and controls the flow of the liquid through an inlet tube 114 to dish 20.
It is noted that the actual structure and shape of chute 15, inlet tube 114 and dishes 16 and 20 can be varied in accordance with the needs of a particular animal. Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate two different configurations of chute 15, inlet tube 114 and dishes 16 and 20. The embodiment of Fig. 1 is intended for home use for feeding pets, whereas the embodiment of Fig. 2 is intended for barn, farm, stable or factory use, for feeding and fattening livestock and the like. It is appreciated that any other configuration is also within the scope of the invention.
It is important to note an advantage of the present invention over the prior art. In the prior art, load cells are provided only at the individual food and water dishes. These load cells indicate whether the weight of the dish is below a lower threshold or above an upper threshold. If the dish weight is below the lower threshold, then the dish is filled with food or water. If the dish weight is above the upper threshold, then the filling is stopped. Thus, the dish load cells control the amount of food or water present in the food or water dish. In contrast, in the present invention, the dish load cells 18 and 21 do not control the amount of food or water present in the solid and liquid food dishes 16 and 20, respectively. Instead the additional load cell 13 placed intermediate the food hopper and solid food dish 16, and the electronic valve 22 placed intermediate the supply line 112 and liquid food dish 20, together with controller 25, control the amount of food or water present in the solid and liquid food dishes 16 and 20, respectively. The dish load cells 18 and 21 are used to monitor the amount of food the animal ate or drank. Load cell 13 has the added benefit of providing information regarding ■ the level of food remaining in hopper 1. In the prior art, the dish load cells cannot provide this information and the user does not know how much food is left in the hopper. ' • '
Reference is now made to Figs. 8 and 9 which further illustrate controller 25 and control panel 5 of animal food dispenser 10. Control panel 5 (Fig. 9) preferably includes an on/off switch 116, a clock 118, and a plurality of control buttons 120 for determining a meal plan. For example, one can select a meal, choosing from breakfast, dinner and supper. Buttons may be provided for setting the time and volume of the meal, as well as the units of measure. Displays 122 are preferably provided for displaying the selected meal parameters. An alarm 124 may be provided for indicating an alarm in the event of a food shortage in hopper 1. Another display 126 may be provided for indicating approval of the meal plan.
Controller 25 (Fig. 8) is preferably in electrical communication, wired or wireless, with a clock 128 (for timekeeping and timing purposes), control panel 5, load cells 13, 18 and 21, volume sensor 3, auger motor 7, actuator 11, electronic valve 22, alarm 124 and a data line 130 connected to a server or the Internet, for example. Data line 130 enables remote monitoring and data input/output with respect to controller 25.
The following is a description of a typical operational mode of animal food dispenser 100, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A user first fills hopper 1 with food granules, seeds, pellets or cubes, as desired. The user turns on dispenser 100 by pressing on the on/off switch 116, and creates a meal plan by selecting, for example, 100 g of dog food to be served for breakfast at 08:00, 600 g for dinner at 12:00 and 100 g for supper at 20:00. At a predetermined time before meal time, motor 7 is commanded by controller 25 to turn auger 9 and convey food to weighing apparatus 106. Once load cell 13 senses that the correct amount of food has been weighed on platforms 12, motor 7 stops turning auger 9. When the meal time arrives, lock device 14 opens and the food drops from platforms 12 through chute 15 to solid food dish 16. Similarly, valve 22 is opened to allow water or other liquid to flow to dish 20. Actuator 11 then brings back platforms 12 to the closed position, and valve 22 is closed.
Reference is now made to Fig. 10 which illustrates an animal food dispenser 150 for a multiplicity of animals, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dispenser 150 is preferably constructed basically the same as dispenser 10 described hereinabove, with like elements being designated by like numerals. In dispenser 150, hopper 1 preferably empties into a funnel 152 that conveys food particles into one of a plurality of buckets 154 that move along a conveyor track 155 by means of a conveyor drive 156. The buckets 154 convey the food to a plurality of weighing apparatus 106, described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 5. The rest of dispenser 150 is basically the same as dispenser 10. (Liquid food dishes are also provided in the system of dispenser 150 as in dispenser 10, but are not shown for the sake of simplicity in Fig. 10.)
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

C L A I M S What is claimed is:
1. A food dispenser comprising: a feed hopper for storing therein animal food; a food dish for serving thereon the animal food to an animal; weighing apparatus comprising a load cell placed intermediate said food hopper and said food dish; a dispensing device operative to dispense food from said weighing apparatus to said food dish; and * a controller in electrical communication with said load ceil and said actuator, which controls dispensation of the animal food to said food dish.
2. The food dispenser according to claim 1 and further comprising a feeder mechanism that includes an auger journaled in a housing, said housing comprising an inlet in communication with said hopper, said feeder mechanism being operative to convey food from said hopper to said weighing apparatus.
3. The food dispenser according to claim 2 wherein said housing has a generally pear-shaped inner volume defined by a generally cylindrical portion in which said auger rotates, and a tapered portion above said cylindrical portion.
4. The food dispenser according to claim 2 wherein said feeder mechanism further comprises a motor operatively connected to said auger for rotating said auger.
5. The food dispenser according to any of the preceding claims and further comprising a control panel in electrical communication with said controller, mounted on said hopper for displaying pertinent information related to feeding of an animal.
6. The food dispenser according to any of the preceding claims and further comprising a volume sensor mounted in said hopper that constantly monitors a volume of the animal food in said hopper.
7. The food dispenser according to any of the preceding claims wherein said load cell is placed upon a weighing platform, and said dispensing device comprises an electronic lock device in electrical communication with said controller, said lock device supporting said weighing platform, said lock device being selectively opened by said controller, thereby moving said platform to an open position and permitting passage of food from said weighing apparatus to said food dish.
8. The food dispenser according to claim 7 wherein said dispensing device comprises an actuator that moves said platform from the open position to a closed position.
9. The food dispenser according to any of the preceding claims and further comprising another load cell mounted below said food dish in electrical communication with said controller.
10. The food dispenser according to any of the preceding claims and further comprising a liquid food dish.
11. The food dispenser according to claim 10 and further comprising an electronic valve in electrical communication with said controller, operative to control flow of a liquid from a supply line to said liquid food dish.
12. The food dispenser according to any of the preceding claims and further comprising an additional load cell mounted below said liquid food dish in electrical communication with said controller.
13. The food dispenser according to any of the preceding claims and further comprising a pressure relief device that relieves overpressure in said hopper.
14. The food dispenser according to claim 13 wherein said pressure relief device comprises a frangible metal strip.
PCT/IL2001/000180 2000-03-02 2001-02-27 Electronically controlled animal food dispenser WO2001064027A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001235948A AU2001235948A1 (en) 2000-03-02 2001-02-27 Electronically controlled animal food dispenser

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL13486000A IL134860A0 (en) 2000-03-02 2000-03-02 Electronically controlled animal food dispenser
IL134860 2000-03-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001064027A1 true WO2001064027A1 (en) 2001-09-07

Family

ID=11073896

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2001/000180 WO2001064027A1 (en) 2000-03-02 2001-02-27 Electronically controlled animal food dispenser

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US6367417B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2001235948A1 (en)
IL (1) IL134860A0 (en)
WO (1) WO2001064027A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20030048640A (en) * 2001-12-12 2003-06-25 슈라펫 주식회사 Pet food automatic feeder and food feeding method thereof
KR20030073158A (en) * 2002-03-08 2003-09-19 조상균 automatic grains provider for a pet
ITMI20100731A1 (en) * 2010-04-28 2011-10-29 Fas International Spa VENDING MACHINE
GB2465569B (en) * 2008-11-20 2013-08-28 Arthur Peters Measuring and regulating pet feed bowl
CN104054590A (en) * 2013-03-18 2014-09-24 广东蓝岛生物技术有限公司 Quantitative feeding box
ITMI20131873A1 (en) * 2013-11-11 2015-05-12 Gianfranco Runfola DEVICE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF QUANTITY OF FISH FOOD TO ANIMALS

Families Citing this family (57)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6715443B2 (en) * 2000-11-01 2004-04-06 Andre Bernard Feeder device for animals
NL1017477C2 (en) * 2001-03-02 2002-09-05 Lely Entpr Ag Feeding trough monitor and controller uses feed trough weight and animal identifier to close feed trough when feeding rate slows under individual set point and open at set times also closes with audible close warning e.g. if kicked
KR100397287B1 (en) * 2001-08-08 2003-09-13 주식회사 쓰리비 시스템 household pet internet food feeder of an integrated type
US7219620B2 (en) * 2001-09-01 2007-05-22 Dogopolis, Llc Timed food-filled toy dispenser
DE10220729A1 (en) * 2002-05-08 2003-11-20 Martin Foerster Method for determining an amount of liquid food drunk by animals
US7175103B1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2007-02-13 Wgi Innovations, Ltd. Feed dispenser
US6758163B1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2004-07-06 Jeffrey Sternitzky Bird feeder
US7424867B2 (en) * 2004-07-15 2008-09-16 Lawrence Kates Camera system for canines, felines, or other animals
US7409924B2 (en) * 2004-07-15 2008-08-12 Lawrence Kates Training, management, and/or entertainment system for canines, felines, or other animals
US7152550B2 (en) * 2005-01-06 2006-12-26 Ralph Walker Automatic animal feeding and water providing apparatus
US7143719B1 (en) * 2005-07-06 2006-12-05 Giddens Susan L Pet treat dispenser assembly with clicker
US20070012253A1 (en) * 2005-07-15 2007-01-18 Zheng Guang-Hong Structure of improving feeding device
US20070044723A1 (en) * 2005-08-23 2007-03-01 Tracy Anderbery Pet feeding device
TW200930288A (en) * 2008-01-03 2009-07-16 Claridy Solutions Inc Animal feeding device
AU2009206149B2 (en) 2008-01-16 2013-07-18 Mars, Incorporated Automated systems for feeding animals and collecting animal excrement
AU2009290153B2 (en) * 2008-09-05 2013-03-28 Plf Agritech Pty Ltd A livestock feed delivery system with sensor
US20100263596A1 (en) * 2009-04-21 2010-10-21 Yildiray Sager Weight Controlled Pet Feeding System
US9101126B2 (en) * 2010-01-11 2015-08-11 Jager Pro, Llc Remote control gate release for trap enclosure
US8100084B1 (en) * 2010-01-15 2012-01-24 Abramson Michael T System and method for weight management of one or more pets
GB201000613D0 (en) * 2010-01-15 2010-03-03 Pet Mate Ltd Feeder
US20140058559A1 (en) * 2010-03-24 2014-02-27 Michael N. Haynes Systems, Devices, and/or Methods for Dispensing
US20120048201A1 (en) * 2010-08-30 2012-03-01 Benning Qian Directional feeder for fish and game
CA2754930A1 (en) * 2010-11-29 2012-05-29 24/7 Software Treat dispenser and treat dispensing system
US8627786B2 (en) * 2011-05-10 2014-01-14 Peters Arthur Pet feeding apparatus
US8544418B2 (en) * 2011-05-17 2013-10-01 Hong Kong Tesla Technology Limited Intelligent doghouse
US8588967B2 (en) * 2011-07-06 2013-11-19 Dominic Anthony Carelli Internet-accessible pet treat dispensing apparatus
US8588968B2 (en) * 2011-07-06 2013-11-19 Dominic Anthony Carelli Internet-accessible pet treat dispensing system and method
US8800489B2 (en) * 2011-09-07 2014-08-12 Don Coxsey Auger-operated deer feeder
US8651053B2 (en) * 2012-01-31 2014-02-18 Wayland Reid Gravity fed automatic rotary vein dispenser
US8944006B2 (en) 2012-06-20 2015-02-03 Smart Animal Training Systems, LLC Animal training device and methods therefor
US8893653B2 (en) * 2012-08-31 2014-11-25 Wireless Wildlife Products, LLC Animal feeder
KR101348964B1 (en) * 2013-01-23 2014-01-16 정규철 System and apparatus for feeding fodder automatically
US8997690B2 (en) 2013-03-27 2015-04-07 Paul Ernest Jones Automated animal care device
US10959407B2 (en) 2013-06-06 2021-03-30 Jonathan Whitaker CHRISTENSEN Method and system for timed pet entertainment
WO2014197686A1 (en) 2013-06-06 2014-12-11 Christensen Jonathan Whitaker Method and system for timed pet entertainment
US10631520B2 (en) 2013-06-19 2020-04-28 Radio Systems Corporation Automatic animal feeding system
US10743517B2 (en) 2013-06-19 2020-08-18 Radio Systems Corporation Networked automatic animal feeding system
US9288969B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2016-03-22 Tristan M Christianson Puzzle pet toy and treat dispenser
US10064521B1 (en) * 2014-01-15 2018-09-04 Yantra, Llc Automated multi-dish cooking machine
AU2015217151A1 (en) * 2014-02-11 2016-08-04 Gojo Industries, Inc. Dispensing system with fluid level sensor
US9481504B2 (en) 2014-05-13 2016-11-01 Walter David Dial, III Pet toy dispenser and method
US9414569B2 (en) * 2014-05-14 2016-08-16 Jeremy Steven Romero Supplementing system
USD736481S1 (en) 2014-06-18 2015-08-11 Radio Systems Corporation Automatic pet feeding system
US10201150B1 (en) 2015-03-04 2019-02-12 Dustin A. Cottle Automated wildlife feeder and camera
USD761493S1 (en) * 2015-08-13 2016-07-12 Darlene Lowenthal Pet food storage device
KR101815496B1 (en) * 2015-10-02 2018-01-05 주식회사 써랜라잇 Defecation training device for pets and defecation training system and method for pets comprising the same
US10732021B2 (en) * 2016-05-17 2020-08-04 Gojo Industries, Inc. Method and apparatus for calibrating remaining doses in a refillable dispenser
US10787370B2 (en) 2016-06-20 2020-09-29 Radio Systems Corporation Filtration system for pet water fountain
PL3629715T3 (en) 2017-05-23 2022-04-25 Radio Systems Corporation Flow-controlled pet water fountain
US10948336B2 (en) * 2018-08-30 2021-03-16 A. J. Antunes & Co. Automated condiment dispensing system with precisely controlled dispensed quantities
AU2019335301A1 (en) 2018-09-05 2021-05-06 Radio Systems Corporation Centrifugal pump pet water fountain
US11825822B2 (en) 2018-09-05 2023-11-28 Radio Systems Corporation Centrifugal pump pet water fountain
GB2582732B (en) * 2018-12-10 2022-08-24 Douwe Egberts Bv Powder dispensers and methods of dispensing powder
BR102020009313A2 (en) * 2020-05-11 2021-11-23 Nilson Nunes Morais Junior FEEDER FOR DOGS AND CATS WITH DOUBLE AUTOMATIC DOOR AND LOAD MEASURING SYSTEM.
US11560274B2 (en) * 2020-07-06 2023-01-24 Kitchen Robotics Ltd. Ingredients feeder for an automated cooking apparatus
US20230132186A1 (en) * 2021-10-27 2023-04-27 Bb Silo S.E.N.C. Bait Bin Self-serve, automated feed dispenser
US20240188535A1 (en) * 2022-12-13 2024-06-13 Irobot Corporation Home pet systems and devices

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3256861A (en) * 1963-10-16 1966-06-21 Paul R Giltner Time controlled automatic feed dispensing device for animals
US3536046A (en) * 1968-01-18 1970-10-27 Wood A R Mfg Combination feeder and waterer for hogs
US4079699A (en) * 1976-05-21 1978-03-21 Edward Glen Longmore Automatic, timed, adjustable quantity feeding device
US5556000A (en) * 1990-10-09 1996-09-17 Ore-Ida Foods, Inc. Automatic air heating system for vending machines

Family Cites Families (69)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4211795A (en) 1965-02-03 1980-07-08 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique and Aussedat-Rey Animal feeds
US3532075A (en) 1969-01-03 1970-10-06 Norman Cooper Week-end pet feeder
US3599608A (en) 1969-10-06 1971-08-17 Raymond D Esquival Automatic pet feeder
US3638618A (en) 1970-07-31 1972-02-01 John Strother Automatic pet feeder
US3720184A (en) 1970-10-19 1973-03-13 W Pearce Combination pet feeder for flowable solid material and liquid
US3730141A (en) 1972-03-30 1973-05-01 Klein John M Pet feeder
US3785348A (en) 1972-09-20 1974-01-15 S Polidori Automatic pet feeder
US3962997A (en) 1974-07-05 1976-06-15 Ruth Arthur P Animal feeder
SE394071B (en) 1974-07-12 1977-06-06 L H Eriksson DEVICE FOR ANIMAL FEEDING APPLIANCES INCLUDING DOSAGE CONTAINERS WITH FOLDABLE Flaps OR DOORS.
US3982501A (en) 1974-12-04 1976-09-28 Marzocco Angelo T Automatic dog and cat feeder
US3935837A (en) 1975-01-08 1976-02-03 Mulhern Philip J Pet feeder
US4034715A (en) 1976-03-05 1977-07-12 Ralston Purina Company Convertible pet feeder and method
US4069793A (en) 1976-05-24 1978-01-24 Samuel Gower Automatic pet feeder
US4051812A (en) 1976-08-23 1977-10-04 Deloach Guessman L Automatic animal feeding apparatus
US4044723A (en) 1976-09-01 1977-08-30 Fitzpatrick Robert E Animal feeding apparatus
US4131082A (en) 1977-01-31 1978-12-26 Sollars Herbert M Animal feeding equipment
US4162683A (en) 1977-06-21 1979-07-31 Selective Feeder Company Animal feeder using magnetically biased switch
US4195594A (en) 1978-01-25 1980-04-01 Diamond International Corporation Feeding system for animals
US4235200A (en) 1979-02-26 1980-11-25 Shay Michael A Automatic animal feeder
US4256054A (en) 1979-10-10 1981-03-17 Hitchcock Kenneth H Pet feeder
US4285300A (en) 1979-11-19 1981-08-25 Spane Victor L Animal feeding system
US4279221A (en) 1980-04-21 1981-07-21 Arvizu Oscar O Timed food dispenser for animals
US4278049A (en) 1980-05-12 1981-07-14 Marting Mfg. Inc. Animal feeder
US4461240A (en) 1981-03-13 1984-07-24 Agri-Systems Animal monitoring apparatus
US4357905A (en) 1981-09-14 1982-11-09 Louis E. Hay Moated pet feeder
US4735171A (en) 1982-02-08 1988-04-05 Essex James O Animal feeding apparatus
US4532891A (en) 1983-10-03 1985-08-06 Jones Richard O Pet feeder assembly
US4580529A (en) 1983-11-07 1986-04-08 Wilson Ginger T Farm animal spraying system
US4497280A (en) 1984-01-09 1985-02-05 Sanstrom Grant H Timer actuated pet feeder
US4665862A (en) 1985-12-27 1987-05-19 Pitchford Jr Robert L Timed automatic pet feed and water dispenser
US4699089A (en) 1986-10-30 1987-10-13 Teschke Gloria M Pet feeder
US4756277A (en) 1986-12-29 1988-07-12 Peng Douglas C Automatic pet food feeder
US4733634A (en) 1987-01-14 1988-03-29 Hooser Herbert M Automatic home pet feeder
US4889077A (en) 1988-07-14 1989-12-26 Possis Zinon C Automatic pet feeder
US5107795A (en) 1988-09-14 1992-04-28 University Of Illinois Animal feeding device
JPH02150224A (en) 1988-12-01 1990-06-08 Osamu Nagatomo Automatic feeder for aquarium fish
US4966099A (en) 1988-12-27 1990-10-30 Arney James R Pet feeder and method for feeding
US4966098A (en) 1989-08-07 1990-10-30 Freeman Lamont L Method of forming a game and pet feeder
USD322869S (en) 1989-08-17 1991-12-31 Schafer Kenneth L Animal drinker
US5000124A (en) 1989-09-05 1991-03-19 Bergen Larry L Elevated, adjustable pet feeder
USD321769S (en) 1990-02-20 1991-11-19 Schafer Kenneth L Animal drinker
USD330098S (en) 1990-05-31 1992-10-06 Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. Pet feeder
US4993364A (en) 1990-06-12 1991-02-19 Hessenauer John N Automatically operated pet food dispenser
USD335370S (en) 1990-10-09 1993-05-04 Pet Mate Limited Automatic animal feeder
USD339429S (en) 1991-03-21 1993-09-14 Reilor Limited Automatic animal feeder
US5430469A (en) 1991-06-05 1995-07-04 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Tone recording method using ink recording head
USD334251S (en) 1991-06-21 1993-03-23 Romy Tiu Automatic pet feeder
USD335939S (en) 1991-10-07 1993-05-25 Cooper Teresa A Pet feeder
US5165365A (en) 1991-11-25 1992-11-24 Thompson Richard C Ant proof pet feeder apparatus
US5259336A (en) 1991-12-19 1993-11-09 Blitz-U.S.A. Combined automatic pet waterer and feeder
USD338287S (en) 1992-03-17 1993-08-10 Peter Tonner Timed pet feeder
FR2689727B1 (en) 1992-04-14 1994-07-08 Legrain Michel A J COMPUTER-SUPPORTED YOUNG ANIMAL FEEDING EQUIPMENT.
US5265560A (en) 1992-05-04 1993-11-30 Dobbins Hugh L Weekend pet feeder
US5230300A (en) 1992-07-20 1993-07-27 Victor Mezhinsky Automatic dry food feeder for animals
US5222990A (en) 1992-07-20 1993-06-29 Elliott Mark A Pet feeder apparatus
USD351261S (en) 1992-07-30 1994-10-04 Tae Lim Electronics Co., Ltd. Automatic animal feeder
USD348336S (en) 1992-07-30 1994-06-28 Tae Lim Electronics Co., Ltd. Automatic animal feeder
US5301634A (en) 1993-02-17 1994-04-12 Ho Ying Kuan Animal feeder having a mounting device
US5555842A (en) 1993-10-08 1996-09-17 Kc Equine Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for feeding horses
US5363805A (en) 1993-11-29 1994-11-15 Wing Lewis O Automatic pet feeder
US5345892A (en) 1994-03-02 1994-09-13 Khan Osman M Automatic pet feeder
US5433171A (en) 1994-04-25 1995-07-18 Ewell; Anthony S. Automatic pet food dispenser
USD364942S (en) 1994-05-25 1995-12-05 Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. Pet feeder
US5467735A (en) 1994-06-08 1995-11-21 Blitz U.S.A., Inc. Automatic pet feeder
US5483923A (en) 1994-06-30 1996-01-16 Sabbara; Samir M. Timer controlled pet feeder
US5404838A (en) 1994-07-26 1995-04-11 Khan; Osman M. Automatic pet feeder
NL9401801A (en) 1994-08-23 1996-04-01 Maasland Nv Construction with a device for milking animals.
US5613464A (en) 1994-11-21 1997-03-25 Petzel; Jeffrey L. Platform actuated feeder apparatus
USD405560S (en) 1997-07-21 1999-02-09 Blitz U.S.A., Inc. Automatic pet feeder

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3256861A (en) * 1963-10-16 1966-06-21 Paul R Giltner Time controlled automatic feed dispensing device for animals
US3536046A (en) * 1968-01-18 1970-10-27 Wood A R Mfg Combination feeder and waterer for hogs
US4079699A (en) * 1976-05-21 1978-03-21 Edward Glen Longmore Automatic, timed, adjustable quantity feeding device
US5556000A (en) * 1990-10-09 1996-09-17 Ore-Ida Foods, Inc. Automatic air heating system for vending machines

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20030048640A (en) * 2001-12-12 2003-06-25 슈라펫 주식회사 Pet food automatic feeder and food feeding method thereof
KR20030073158A (en) * 2002-03-08 2003-09-19 조상균 automatic grains provider for a pet
GB2465569B (en) * 2008-11-20 2013-08-28 Arthur Peters Measuring and regulating pet feed bowl
ITMI20100731A1 (en) * 2010-04-28 2011-10-29 Fas International Spa VENDING MACHINE
CN104054590A (en) * 2013-03-18 2014-09-24 广东蓝岛生物技术有限公司 Quantitative feeding box
ITMI20131873A1 (en) * 2013-11-11 2015-05-12 Gianfranco Runfola DEVICE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF QUANTITY OF FISH FOOD TO ANIMALS

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001235948A1 (en) 2001-09-12
IL134860A0 (en) 2001-05-20
US6367417B1 (en) 2002-04-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6367417B1 (en) Electronically controlled animal food dispenser
US6145472A (en) Automatic feed distribution apparatus for animals
EP2605640B1 (en) Animal feed dispensing apparatus and a system for dispensing animal feed
US4079699A (en) Automatic, timed, adjustable quantity feeding device
KR100310743B1 (en) Appararus to feed automatically fodder
US20100263596A1 (en) Weight Controlled Pet Feeding System
US8245665B2 (en) Combined pet food and water dispenser
EP3010333B1 (en) Networked automatic animal feeding system
US9277730B2 (en) Plunger gate animal feeder attachment
US6988465B2 (en) Automatic pet food dispensing device
US20020096120A1 (en) Feed and water dispensing apparatus for pets
US3955537A (en) Feeder with timed batch mixing system
US3962997A (en) Animal feeder
US20160000036A1 (en) Networked Automatic Animal Feeding System
US20130186342A1 (en) corn bank double gate internal feeder attachment
US5551374A (en) Automated nipple livestock feeder and method of operation
US20120085288A1 (en) Animal Feeder System with Remote Communication
US3678902A (en) Timed animal feeder
US3800746A (en) Automatic feed dispensing apparatus
US11684038B2 (en) Swine activated feeder with actuation sensor
PL184194B1 (en) Livestock feeding apparatus especially for feeding swine
US4491086A (en) Automatic animal feeding device
US3845744A (en) Animal self feeder
US4949677A (en) Automatic mechanism for animal feeder
TWI858707B (en) Pet Smart Feeder

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP